The Main Battlefield for Carbon Reduction: How Can Chinese Cities Achieve a Systemic Zero-Carbon Transition?

Photo by Oskar Kadaksoo on Unsplash

Driven by the dual forces of global climate change and China's domestic "Dual Carbon" goals, Chinese cities are transitioning from individual green buildings toward a systematic, networked approach to zero-carbon development. Cities account for more than 75% of the country’s total carbon emissions, making them a critical area for achieving carbon neutrality. From the renovation of aging buildings in Shenzhen to the pioneering zero-carbon community initiatives in Taiyuan, China is actively charting a path of zero-carbon development that aligns perfectly with its unique national conditions.

 

 

 

From architecture to cities:

The Hierarchical Evolution of a Zero-Carbon System

Part.1

 

Zero-carbon buildings are the foundational units of a city’s green transformation, with their core aim being to achieve energy self-sufficiency—relying on renewable sources like solar and wind power—to realize the goals of "zero energy consumption, zero wastewater, and zero waste."

 

Photo by Oskar Kadaksoo on Unsplash

 

When zero-carbon buildings are interconnected through energy networks, they form a zero-carbon district. Shenzhen's practical experience demonstrates that by leveraging digital twin technology to build an architectural carbon-emission management system—and integrating it with the city’s “Dual Carbon Brain” and virtual power plants—over 200 public buildings can achieve flexible energy aggregation, enabling adjustments of up to 20,000 kilowatts. This approach effectively alleviates peak-load pressure on the power grid. Moreover, this collaborative synergy transcends the energy boundaries of individual buildings, fostering innovative models such as vehicle-to-grid interaction and shared energy storage, which in turn boost the utilization rate of renewable energy by more than 10%.

 

A zero-carbon city represents a systematic upgrade built upon this foundation. Chinese cities are currently developing comprehensive, low-carbon systems that span energy, transportation, building construction, and waste management. The planning of Xiong'an New Area, the development of Shenzhen’s "Ultra-Charging City," and Taiyuan’s strategic layout of the hydrogen-energy industry chain all highlight the multi-dimensional, collaborative nature of zero-carbon urban initiatives.

 

 

 

 

Dual Drivers: Policy and Technology

Institutional Safeguards and the Innovation Engine

Part.2

 

China's zero-carbon city initiatives highlight the deep integration of policy and technology. The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has clearly stated that by 2025, all newly built urban buildings will fully comply with green building standards, with star-rated green buildings accounting for more than 30%—providing a clear roadmap and stringent guidelines for technology adoption. This "standards-first, pilot-verification, and large-scale promotion" mechanism effectively reduces institutional costs.

 

Under the policy framework, several key technologies are accelerating their implementation. The DC distribution technology adopted in the Shenzhen project boosts energy efficiency by more than 5% compared to AC power, while the 48V low-voltage system offers enhanced safety and efficiency. Meanwhile, Taiyuan’s “Enterprise Environmental Code” platform leverages smart recognition to promote cleaner production and enable precise pollution control. These innovations not only address real-world challenges but also provide practical evidence for refining and optimizing policies.

 

Photo by Oskar Kadaksoo on Unsplash

 

The synergy between policy and technology was particularly evident in the pilot program. Southern Power Grid plans to leverage integrated technologies such as "Photovoltaic-Storage-Direct-Flexible + Digital Twin" to explore replicable models. Meanwhile, Taiyuan, as a national demonstration zone for innovation in the Sustainable Development Agenda, has not only achieved full coverage of the world's first all-electric taxi fleet but also fostered a transformative path that blends technology with human-centered approaches—driven by policy innovations like community-based carbon inclusion stations and carbon-point redemption systems, which have encouraged residents to shift their behaviors sustainably.

 

 

 

The Global Significance of China's Experience:
 

Providing a pathway for reference to developing countries

Part.3

 

China's scale and pace in building zero-carbon cities provide valuable lessons for similar regions around the globe. Compared to international cities like Copenhagen, China has demonstrated remarkable speed and execution—Taiyuan, for instance, achieved full electrification of its citywide taxi fleet within just a few years, while simultaneously piloting hydrogen-powered buses. Such rapid progress is rare among major global cities.

 

On the technological front, China emphasizes "adapting to local conditions and promoting diversified integration," placing greater emphasis on both retrofitting existing infrastructure and enhancing the quality of new developments simultaneously. Shenzhen’s transformation—from photovoltaic upgrades in individual buildings to becoming a "supercharging city"—and Southern Power Grid’s expansion from traditional power supply stations to a regional energy internet ecosystem have both resulted in highly effective technology roadmaps tailored for densely populated urban environments.

 

The United Nations' assessment of Taiyuan as "replicable and actionable" highlights the reference value of China's experience for developing countries. Solutions such as "bundled renovations" and cross-departmental collaboration—concepts that China has developed in addressing common challenges like aging building upgrades and regional imbalances—have injected fresh momentum into global sustainable development.

 

Photo by Pamela Maguigad on Unsplash

 

 

Conclusion

Part.4

From buildings to neighborhoods and entire cities, China is advancing its zero-carbon transition through systems thinking. As the cost of photovoltaics continues to drop and digital technologies become more widespread, zero-carbon initiatives are moving from pilot projects to broader implementation. The quality and pace of this transformation will be shaped jointly by forward-looking policies, the adaptability of cutting-edge technologies, and the active participation of the public. China’s practical experience demonstrates that zero-carbon cities are not an unattainable dream—they are, in fact, realistic goals that can be steadily realized through scientific innovation.